What did Gary Moore guitarist died of?

Gary Moore, the legendary Irish blues-rock guitarist, passed away on February 6, 2011 at the age of 58 while on holiday in Spain. His death was ruled to have been caused by a heart attack in his sleep. Moore had long struggled with alcohol abuse issues, and there has been speculation that this may have been a contributing factor in his untimely passing. However, the official cause recorded on his death certificate was a heart attack.

Overview of Gary Moore‘s Life and Musical Career

Gary Moore was born on April 4, 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He picked up the guitar at a young age and was immediately drawn to the blues. Some of his earliest influences included Peter Green, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.

Moore got his start playing in local bands around Belfast in the late 1960s. His professional career kicked off when he joined the Irish blues-rock band Skid Row in 1970 at the young age of 18. However, his time with Skid Row was short-lived and he left in December 1971.

Just a few months later in April 1972, Moore was recruited to join Thin Lizzy by founder Phil Lynott. He brought a harder blues-rock edge to the band‘s sound evident on the 1973 album ‘Vagabonds of the Western World.‘ However, tensions arose within the band related to the musical direction. Moore left Thin Lizzy in April 1973 after just 4 months to pursue his own musical path.

After leaving Thin Lizzy, Moore released his 1973 debut solo album ‘Grinding Stone‘ followed by ‘Back on the Streets‘ in 1978, which featured his hit single ‘Parisienne Walkways.‘ This was a critical and commercial breakthrough for Moore as a solo artist.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Moore pursued solo work while also collaborating with famous artists like B.B. King, George Harrison, and Ozzy Osbourne. He continued releasing popular solo albums that showcased his exceptional skill as a blues-rock guitarist.

Some highlights from his extensive discography include ‘Dirty Fingers‘ (1981), ‘Rockin Every Night – Live in Japan‘ (1986), ‘After the War‘ (1989), ‘Still Got the Blues‘ (1990), and ‘Dark Days in Paradise‘ (1997). The 1993 album ‘Blues Alive‘ captured Moore‘s talent as an energetic and passionate live performer.

Beyond his own solo career, Moore also made brief returns to Thin Lizzy, appearing on the band‘s 1983 album ‘Thunder and Lightning.‘ He also subbed for guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple for a few shows in 1993.

Later in life, Moore remained actively recording and touring. His final studio album, 2008‘s ‘Bad For You Baby,‘ reached No. 1 on the Billboard blues chart, demonstrating Moore‘s enduring talent and appeal. He continued playing live shows up until his sudden death in 2011 at the age of 58.

Circumstances and Cause of Death

In early 2011, Moore was on holiday at the Kempinski Hotel in Estepona, Spain with his girlfriend, Rachel. In the early morning hours of February 6th, Moore died in his sleep of a heart attack at the age of 58. He was found unresponsive by Rachel and was pronounced dead at the scene by hotel doctors.

Moore had been dealing with alcohol abuse issues in the final years of his life, which led to speculation about whether this may have been a contributing factor in his death. However, the official cause as listed on his death certificate was a heart attack.

No autopsy was performed, which was not required given his death was ruled to be from natural causes. Toxicology tests also confirmed there were no suspicious substances found in his body.

Moore‘s manager Adam Parsons gave further insight into the circumstances, stating:

"He was in great spirits from his holiday with Rachel and indeed had been working out on a daily basis in preparation for the forthcoming Thin Lizzy European tour."

This suggests Moore‘s death was sudden and unexpected, not related to any long-standing health conditions. His heart attack likely occurred without warning and in his sleep.

While Moore had battled alcohol problems on-and-off, he was not known to have any specific heart or cardiovascular issues prior to this fatal event. His death at only 58 years old came as a shock to family, friends, and fans alike.

Impact on the Music World

The death of Gary Moore was deeply mourned within the music community and among his widespread fan base. Fellow musicians and artists he had collaborated with over the years expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to his incredible talent.

Queen guitarist Brian May remarked:

“The loss of Gary Moore is a terrible blow for the blues-rock world.”

Ozzy Osbourne, who Moore played with extensively, said:

“I‘m devastated at the news of Gary Moore‘s passing. His playing was inspiring to me."

The reaction from fans was also one of immense grief, having lost an iconic blues guitarist. Moore‘s searing solos and live performances had earned him legions of dedicated followers around the globe.

Beyond the outpouring of emotion, Moore‘s death also represented a tangible loss for the music world. His decades-long career had been highly influential, inspiring countless others to pick up the guitar.

The world had lost more than just a great musician – it had lost an iconic guitar hero that had shaped the evolution of blues and hard rock through his technical skill, passion, and songwriting. Though gone, the mark Gary Moore left on music will undoubtedly span generations to come.

Beyond the stage, Gary Moore led an eventful personal life filled with ups and downs over his 58 years. Here are some key details about the guitarist‘s life outside of music.

Early Life in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Gary Moore was born Robert William Gary Moore on April 4th, 1952 in the tough working class town of East Belfast, Northern Ireland.

He grew up with his mother, father, and siblings in a modest home where money was often tight. Moore later reflected that his roots in Belfast shaped his down-to-earth attitude and connection with working people despite his fame.

From a young age, Moore displayed an avid interest in music, especially the blues. His earliest guitar inspirations included legends like B.B. King, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix.

Marriages and Relationships

Throughout his adult life, Moore was married twice and also had a number of long-term relationships.

In 1977, he married his first wife Jan Story in a Las Vegas ceremony while he was on an American tour. However, the marriage only lasted two years before ending in divorce in 1979.

Moore also had a relationship with Irish singer Linda Gail Lewis during the late 70s. This romance fuelled creative collaborations between the two musicians.

In 1985, Moore married his second wife, Angharad James-Rees, who he had one son with named Jack. They split up in 1993 after 8 years of marriage.

Moore met his later long-term partner Jo Hanbury in 1994 after being introduced by friends. Although never married, they had one daughter named Lily and remained together until 2001.

At the time of his death in 2011, Moore was in a relationship with his 28-year old Danish girlfriend Rachel Seeler whom he had met through mutual friends.

Struggles with Alcohol

For much of his adult life, Moore struggled with excessive drinking and alcoholism which took a toll on his health and personal relationships.

His drinking intensified significantly in the late 1980s at the peak of his career. While he was able to maintain his musical skills, his personal life suffered, going through a divorce in 1993.

Moore made efforts to become sober in the late 90s and early 2000s. But his issues with alcohol continued to persist even later in life. Ultimately, alcohol abuse likely contributed to his premature death at only 58 years old.

Generous Philanthropy

Despite his struggles, Moore was known to be very generous with his time and money, especially when it came to charitable causes he believed in.

He gave large sums to organizations that helped disadvantaged youth in Belfast and supported his hometown through difficult times during The Troubles.

Moore also founded the Gary Moore Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1987 after being moved by the plight of those with neuromuscular diseases. This charity released multiple benefit singles and albums for research.

His philanthropic nature was one of Moore‘s most admirable qualities and represented his enduring loyalty to Northern Ireland throughout his career.

A huge part of Gary Moore‘s iconic sound was his “woman tone” – thick, warm, singing lead tones, often paired with aggressive fuzz boxes for solos. Moore achieved his signature sound through his personalized collection of guitars and amplifiers.

Guitars

• 1957 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Peter Green" Les Paul – Moore‘s favorite guitar and most associated with his lead playing. He purchased it after Peter Green sold it to Gary‘s friend.

• 1963 Fender Stratocaster – Used often by Moore in the later 80s and 90s. Produced creamy, mellow neck tones.

• 1960s Gibson SG – Used frequently in studio and live work. Contributed a thicker, more distorted tone.

• 1958 Gibson Les Paul Junior – Simple guitar used often for slide playing.

• Taylor and Martin Acoustics – Moore played various models for softer acoustic blues songs and ballads.

Amps

• 50-100 Watt Marshall heads – Moore was rarely seen without his wall of Marshall amps behind him. Key to his sustaining, singing lead tones.

• Marshall 1960A cabs – These angled cabs paired with the Marshall heads delivered Moore‘s rich distorted tones.

• Fender amps – Sometimes blended with his Marshall rig for a twangier rock n roll edge.

Effects Pedals

• Ibanez Tube Screamer – This overdrive pedal pushed his vintage Marshalls into distortion.

• Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face – Added thick vintage fuzz, especially for solos.

• Dunlop Wah-Wah – Moore manipulated the pedal masterfully for emotional solos.

• MXR Flanger/Phase 90 – Gave psychedelic swooshes and warbles to Moore‘s lead lines.

• TC Electronic Chorus/Delay – Provided ambient modulation and echo.

Strings/Picks

• Ernie Ball Slinkys – Moore used various gauges depending on guitar and tuning. Preferred a beefy .012 set for standard tuning.

• Herco Flex 75s – Moore was quite particular about his pick thickness and shape.

Moore constantly fine-tuned his gear setup to achieve the larger-than-life tone he wanted. From vintage guitars to cranked Marshalls to fuzz pedals, his rig delivered the sensitive, singing quality Moore is remembered for.

Throughout his life, Gary Moore was married twice and was also romantically involved in several long-term relationships. Here is an overview of the women Moore married and shared his life with.

Jan Story – First Wife (1977-1979)

Moore met his first wife Jan Story in the mid-1970s while he was touring the United States. Story was an American Rockette dancer whom he began dating.

They had a whirlwind marriage in Las Vegas in 1977 when Moore was 25 years old, shortly after he achieved his first solo success.

However, the marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce just two years later in 1979. Moore‘s rock n roll lifestyle on the road was cited as a reason for the split.

Angharad James-Rees – Second Wife (1985-1993)

In 1985, Moore married Angharad James-Rees who was a Welsh woman working in the music industry. They had one son together named Jack who was born in 1989.

Moore‘s alcohol issues put a strain on the relationship, but they remained married for 8 years before divorcing in 1993 as Moore‘s career reached new heights.

Significant Long-Term Partners

In addition to his wives, Moore had a few other important long-term partners:

• Linda Gail Lewis – American singer and younger sister of Jerry Lee Lewis. Romantically linked and musically collaborated in the late 1970s.

• Jo Hanbury – Girlfriend Moore met in 1994 and had daughter named Lily with in 1996 before separating in 2001.

• Rachel Seeler – Moore‘s girlfriend at the time of his death in 2011. She discovered him unresponsive in his hotel room in Spain.

So while married twice, Moore also had meaningful relationships with several women throughout his life. Music was often at the core of his connections with his romantic partners.

Gary Moore passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of February 6th, 2011 at the age of 58. While his long-time issues with alcohol abuse led some to speculate about other potential causes, the official certificate listed his death as due to a heart attack.

Official Cause – Heart Attack

When Moore‘s body was discovered by his girlfriend Rachel Seeler, medical personnel at the hotel pronounced him dead at the scene.

The cause was determined to be a fatal heart attack that occurred in his sleep. No autopsy was required given the circumstances and his age.

Toxicology reports confirmed there were no abnormal substances or alcohol in his body at the time of death. Heart attack was ruled to be the official cause.

No Evidence of Other Factors

Beyond the heart attack, there was no strong evidence pointing to any other contributing factors in Moore‘s passing.

Some wondered if alcohol abuse or related health issues played a role, given his history of excessive drinking and alcoholism.

However, Moore was generally in good health leading up to his death. He had been focused on sobriety and fitness while preparing for an upcoming tour.

Ultimately, the theory that years of alcohol abuse weakened Moore‘s heart cannot be proven. By all accounts, the heart attack occurred spontaneously and without warning.

Unexpected and Shocking Loss

What made Moore‘s death all the more tragic was its sudden and shocking nature.

Being just 58 and coming off a period of sobriety and productivity, there was no advance warning that a heart attack was imminent.

For his family, friends, and fans who saw Moore energetic and healthy in his final days, it was an unexpected and saddening loss.

The music world was blindsided by the abrupt passing of Moore. But the outpouring of grief demonstrated his lasting impact as a legendary bluesman.

No, sadly Gary Moore passed away in February 2011 at the age of 58. After his death, some fans clung to conspiracy theories that Moore may still be alive. However, all evidence confirms the iconic guitarist died prematurely of a heart attack.

Officially Declared Dead

When Moore‘s body was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room by his girlfriend on the morning of February 6th, 2011, the on-site medical team officially declared him dead.

His remains were returned to the UK, and a death certificate was issued listing his cause of death as a heart attack. An obituary for Moore was printed widely, and his funeral was attended by family and friends.

There is no doubt Moore was conclusively pronounced deceased at the scene in Spain.

Persistent Online Myths

In the digital age, rumors emerge online questioning the accepted facts around celebrity deaths. There were unfounded conspiracy theories that Moore‘s death was faked.

Some of these myths speculate he is actually still alive and in hiding from the limelight. However, these types of claims have been thoroughly debunked.

No credible evidence has ever come forward that Moore is still living. It is merely the wishful thinking of grief-stricken fans.

Memorialized and Mourned

The reality is that Gary Moore has been memorialized and mourned extensively over the past decade since his unexpected death.

Tributes recognizing his legacy have poured in through new album releases, concerts in his honor, and inductions into Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.

Moore‘s family and friends have also shared countless stories and memories that reaffirm he sadly is no longer with us but rather passed away suddenly in 2011. His music lives on, but Moore himself died at only 58 years old.

• Gary Moore died on February 6th, 2011 at the age of 58.
• He was born on April 4th, 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• Moore had enjoyed a successful decades-long career and remained actively touring and recording music up until his death in 2011.
• He was on holiday with his girlfriend Rachel in Spain when he passed away in his sleep of a heart attack.
• His death at only 58 years old came as a major shock to family, friends, and fans.
• Many expressed feeling robbed that Moore died seemingly too young, still in the prime of his musical life.
• While he had battled alcoholism, he was said to be in a good period of health and sobriety when he died.
• Heart attack took his life abruptly and without warning.
• The music world mourned the loss of the Irish guitarist far too soon at 58 years old.
• However, Moore left behind an enormous legacy spanning back to the 1960s.
• He influenced countless other musicians and fans over the decades he was active.
• And the spirit of Gary Moore‘s guitar mastery lives on through his recordings and memory.

Gary Moore was an exceptionally talented blues-rock guitarist who left an indelible impact during his decades-long career. His untimely death in 2011 at 58 years old was a major loss to the music world.

While the official cause was a heart attack, Moore‘s history with alcohol abuse led to speculation about other contributing factors. Ultimately the true reasons died with Moore that fateful night in Spain.

Beyond his guitar skills, Moore will be remembered for his passionate performances, songwriting talent, and kind spirit. The outpouring of grief from fellow artists and fans after his death stands as a testament to his irreplaceable legacy.

Moore inspired countless musicians who continue to idolize his fiery guitar licks and enduring blues rock anthems. Though his life ended too soon, Gary Moore‘s musical gifts will be treasured by generations to come.